Essex police's special task force targets journalist over year-old social post
Three police forces got involved in probe of award-winning writers social-media post from last year. Meanwhile local residents raise concerns about forces handling of street-level drug crimes
In a surprising turn-of-events Essex Police created a high-level gold group (typically used for major crimes) to look into award-winning writer Allison Pearsonʼs year-old social-media post. Officers visited Pearsons home but didnt share which post they were investigating or who filed the complaint
The case bounced between three different police departments since last fall: first the Met Police then Sussex Police and finally Essex Police. The investigation falls under section 17 of the Public Order Act which deals with race-related communications
County councillor Neil Gregory points to what he sees as mis-placed priorities in law enforcement: “They have resources to chase those sending tweets but not for catching drug-dealers in broad daylight“ His critique highlights a wider issue with the forces approach to different types of crime
- Drug dealers getting arrested: 440 suspects
- People charged with dealing: 305 total
- Years in jail sentences: 800 combined
- Drug crimes per 1000 people in Uttlesford: 1.6 vs Essex average of 3
The forceʼs handling of drug-related issues became a hot topic at a feb community meeting where residents expressed worry about open drug-dealing. Police commissioner Roger Hirst explained they dont always send patrol cars to these calls – instead focusing on intelligence-gathering and building cases
Essex Police pushes back against criticism saying their body-worn camera footage supports their version of events with Pearson. Assistant Chief Constable Andy Marriner wrote to local officials stating they take drug-dealing seriously and need continued community input to build effective cases
